Kudos to Kalam for staying away from Raisina Hill race

We are proud that A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has declined to contest for the President’s post. He said he never aspired to be President for the second time.

He left the post of President five years ago but most of us still consider Kalam one of the best Presidents we ever had.

He was so popular that nobody can occupy his space in our hearts. He created an image that will be very difficult to match.

The younger generation is inspired by his personality, philosophy, vision and mainly by his golden quotes. Like Jawaharlal Nehru, Kalam always lays emphasis on children as today’s children are citizens of tomorrow’s India.

Most importantly, he always steered out of controversy.

According to our Constitution, our President should be well-educated, morally upright, a philosopher and most importantly, he should come from a non-political background. In this regard, we can place Kalam next to Rajendra Prasad and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

On ending his first term, people had insisted on his name for the second term too. This time too, Kalam’s name surfaced again.

But our politicians have started their dirty game.

No doubt, Mamata Banerjee, who suggested his name, is going to play a game to improve her ruined image as she is the leader who is amid regular controversy. Kalam had proved that he is not a mere rubber stamp President.

So it is crystal clear that UPA will not want his name as President of India. That is quite unfortunate.

Kalam has taken a good decision by refusing to contest as a presidential candidate for the second term.

He is beyond elections; there should be common selection for Kalam as President. Instead of becoming a President amid political totality, it is better to stay as a unique person in the country to inspire our new generation to build a strong and supreme India. I hope we will come forward to fulfil his dream, Vision 2020.

Biraj Kumar Sarma,Changsari, near Army Camp Kamrup, Assam